Jubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i speaking about pressing issues ahead of Thursday's by-elections, November 24, 2025. /FRED MATIANG'I/XJubilee presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i has congratulated the winners of Thursday’s by-elections and expressed concern over reports of violence and alleged bribery.
In a statement, Matiang’i singled out United Opposition candidates who won various MCA seats.
They include Douglas Masikonde (Narok Town Ward, DCP), Anthony Kyalo (Mumbuni North Ward, Wiper) and David Wanyoike (Kariobangi North Ward, DCP).
He noted that their victories reflect “the deep confidence that the people of Kenya have in leaders who believe in public service and change.”
Matiang'i also commended Kenyans who turned out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right, but warned that political violence and corruption threaten the integrity of elections.
“Such malpractices undermine the credibility of our elections and erode trust in the process and our institutions. I urge the IEBC and the relevant investigative agencies to play their part and bring the perpetrators to book,” Matiang’i said.
The concerns Matiang’i raised mirror Elog's observations that the elections were punctuated by irregularities.
The election-monitoring network noted in its preliminary report that while most polling stations functioned smoothly, observers recorded anomalies such as clashes over alleged monetary inducements and confrontations involving high-profile political figures.
Elog chairperson Victor Nyongesa noted that the weaknesses “reveal systemic vulnerabilities that demand urgent action ahead of 2027.”
The group recommended greater discipline among political actors, targeted voter education, and timely action by law enforcement on cases of violence and malpractice.
Matiang’i’s statement underscores the urgency of the measures.
While celebrating the democratic exercise and the voters’ participation, he stressed that political violence must not be tolerated and called for accountability for those who compromise the integrity of the process.
Matiang’i’s message and Elog’s findings highlight the need for both vigilance and reform to ensure credible, transparent elections in the future.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) also denounced incidents of violence and disruption recorded during the by-elections, saying the actions witnessed in several areas violated electoral laws and compromised constitutional requirements for credible polls.
In a statement issued by Chairperson Erastus Ethekon, the commission said it was deeply disturbed by reports of intimidation, hooliganism and interference with voting activities. Ethekon noted that such conduct contravenes Article 81(e) of the Constitution, which mandates elections that are free from violence, coercion and corruption.
The IEBC also pointed out that the incidents breach provisions of the Elections Act, the Election Offences Act and the Elections (General) Regulations.
The commission further raised concerns about allegations that certain political actors and public figures were involved in actions that heightened tensions at polling stations. Ethekon described the behaviour as unlawful and unacceptable.
“Reports suggesting the involvement of political actors and public figures in actions that heighten tensions are especially concerning. Such behaviour is unlawful, irresponsible and unacceptable in a democratic society,” he said.
